Oregon Trade Solutions

In April 2015, with fewer shipping options available for Oregon exporters and importers, Governor Kate Brown launched an initiative to help small businesses get their products to global markets.

As part of the initiative, the International Trade and Logistics' Steering Committee conducted research on the economic impact of the loss of container service on Oregon shippers. The committee engaged with transportation and trade experts in the shipper community to explore their respective needs and concerns, and then got to work developing recommendations to address the issues surrounding the movement of goods.

More than 300 people participated in eight community forums in Portland, Redmond, Hermiston, Ontario, Albany, Medford, Grand Ronde, and Wilsonville as part of the effort. Legislative hearings held in mid-November 2015 provided another opportunity for shippers to make their concerns heard.

In February 2016, the Steering Committee recommended a series of actions to the Oregon Legislature, intended to help Oregon businesses that are facing increased transportation costs, longer transit times, reduced reliability, greater business risks, loss of markets and market share, and other business impacts. The goal is to help Oregon businesses move freight to markets and compete globally.

Initiative Report

View the latest implementation reports from the resource box at the right.